A penny for your thoughts…

On 24th June, many were exultant and many were dismayed. The weeks following have been bewildering for all. I would like to offer a way for people to meet together and explore positive ways forward. I guess I was thinking first of all of ‘the 48%’ who voted to Remain, but in fact I sense that distinction is already losing its relevance. Many who voted to Leave the EU (and are glad about the result) will share some of the concerns I sketch below. Whether there is really any appetite for such a meeting at this time, I am not sure and will be glad of any feedback, either here or via Facebook or by phone! So…

After the referendum, a penny for your thoughts…

 

In my sermon on the Sunday following the EU Referendum I remarked: In the few days since, the arguments have continued. We are witnessing a confused and divided government as it rightly seeks to present a semblance of business as usual. The opposition, previously weak, threatens to implode in bitter division. Scotland considers a further referendum on independence. Perhaps most concerning, divisions have emerged between people that we had not noticed so painfully before. We are more aware now of what we should have noticed much more keenly a long time ago: the desperation of those who are condemned to a fairly unchanging prospect of poverty. We are more aware now of some very different reactions to immigration – and to immigrants. We are more aware of regional and generational differences in our country. Painfully, too, we are more aware of differences of outlook among ourselves…

 

Those painful differences are felt in every workplace, association and home, amongst families and friends – and several weeks later are still evident on Facebook!

 

I would like to find a way to meet and discuss with others a positive way forward. I take as a possible starting point the following aims that many of us (including many who voted to Leave) would agree are important as we seek a way forward for our country and for our local communities. They are aims that have been sharpened in focus as a result of the Referendum debate (and the abuse and misinformation that marred that debate.)

 

1. Whatever exact form Brexit takes, to maintain and develop the closest possible links with our European neighbours.
2. To work for greater equality in our society. The referendum has highlighted the sense of alienation felt in many areas of our country, including some that are most anxious about the perceived threats posed by immigration.
3. Along with the wish to support those areas with high immigration, to refuse adamantly not just racism but any policies or language that identify immigrants as a ‘problem’.
4. To work towards constitutional change to enhance our democracy (eg a strengthened ‘second chamber’ in parliament; re-consideration of Proportional Representation to give greater voice to minority parties; consideration of the appropriate use of referendums; and of course a more coherent plan for regional devolution along with (we can only hope) a continued United Kingdom.
5. To sustain environmental policies that will continue the positive changes that have been fostered by our membership of the EU.

 

What I propose is to hold an open meeting for all who are worried by the decision to Leave but also those who may have voted to Leave but are worried by some aspects of a possible ‘Brexit agenda.’. At the meeting there will be a chance to reflect on the lessons of the Referendum; to consider sensibly and honestly the reasons for the outcome; and to think about positive ways forward.

 

The outcomes of the meeting might be:

• To give mutual support that is more real and more fun than Facebook
• To better understand the lessons of Brexit
• To encourage all of us as we seek through this crisis a more progressive, open, welcoming, egalitarian – and European – Britain
• To help us see to what extent our political concerns can be met by any of the existing parties – or a new alliance between some of them.

 

I have arranged a panel for Thursday evening 1^st September comprising our MP, Simon Hoare, along with representatives of the Lib Dems, Green and Labour parties. But more important will be the participation of ordinary people who, following the result of the referendum and the rapid political meltdown that has followed, feel concerned but also determined that the Britain we help form will be more open, more equal, more tolerant and more European.

Let me know whether you think such a meeting is a good idea, or not worth the bother!